It is good news that hedgehogs still persist in Regents Park and that there is an immense effort going in to studying them in the park. However, in a decreasing population cut off from other populations by busy roads there may eventually encounter a problem with inbreeding. Hedgehogs may only survive in small pockets in central London and this could become increasingly common across the country if the decline in numbers continues. Linking these small populations will be essential in avoiding inbreeding problems and preventing further decreases in hedgehog numbers.

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The last hedgehogs to live in a central London park have survived because they have learnt to avoid busy roads, a study suggests.
Hedgehogs were once common across the UK but have suffered a steep decline in the past 60 years, with deaths on the road one of the biggest problems.
Central London, with its heavy traffic, has experienced one of the biggest declines with few hedgehogs now surviving there. In Regents Park, however, a small population is clinging on and they appear to have learnt to keep clear of the busy roads that are one of the main causes of their decline.